Gas dripping. 1980 Gs550L

[Guest]

I rebuilt the carbs and the bike is running so much better. However I have a small amount of gas on the ground coming from what appears to be an overflow drain. Does anyone know what is the correct position for the petcock on these silly 1980 vacuum operated ones. I am thinking that maybe the new petcock is in prime. There is no way to tell which setting is which on this model. Should the grove that you have to turn with a screw driver go up and down or side to side?

[CrazyCloud]

I think 'on' is horizontal, 'prime' vertical. If that doesn't fix it, you might check your float heights, float needles, and their seats.

[20jlr]

Thanks. I should have stated it only drips when it was running.

[CrazyCloud]

Just on one carb? Gas is getting too high in the bowl, or the getting past the float needle valve. You have to figure out which carb(s), and weather the float height is within spec. If so, suspect the float needle is scored, or the springy post on he needle is not 'springing' and needs a soak in carb cleaner and coaxing.

[20jlr]

I am not sure if it is on carb or not. It is comeing out the air of drain hose. So I assume it is comeing throught the breather hose into the air box?

[tom203]

Thanks. I should have stated it only drips when it was running.

You sure this is not gas evaporating from crankcase oil, due to your previous failed petcock?

[jdvorchak]

When you rebuilt those carbs did you replace the O-rings on the float valve seats? If you didn't, even if you have the float needles clean and sealing, they will leak around the needle seats.

[jdvorchak]

Part number 50 on this diagram is the O-ring I'm talking about:

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Suzuki/Motorcycle/1980/GS850GL/CARBURETOR/parts.html

[20jlr]

Yes I replaced all the o rings. The problem has stopped I have not ran it for more than a few minuets. I am wondering now if it was more like moisture that snarled of gas. It is cold here. I will start it up again this weekend with a collection dish under to really see what's going on. I check the oil and it has not increased in volume. The oil also appears to not have any gas in it at all.